Surface-enhanced Raman scattering and photocurrent multiplication phenomenon of ZnO/Ag nanoarrays

ZnO/Ag composite nanoarrays were obtained using Fe–Co–Ni foil as substrate via a novel solution method in large scales. The structure, composition, morphology and optical properties of the synthesized ZnO/Ag nanoarrays were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption measurement. The properties of surface-enhanced Raman scattering and photocurrent of the ZnO/Ag nanoarrays were also investigated in detail. It was shown that Ag nanoparticles were successfully grown on the surface of ZnO nanoarrays. Comparing to pure ZnO nanoarrays, the ZnO/Ag composite nanoarrays have been proved to be a versatile substrate for enhanced surface-enhanced Raman scattering for common organic molecules and obvious photocurrent multiplication effect.

► Facile solution method for the first time.
► Structure and optical properties of ZnO/Ag composites nanoarrays.
► Enhanced surface-enhanced Raman scattering for common organic molecules.
► Obvious photocurrent multiplication effect.